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Online Master of Science in Biostatistics

The online Master of Science in Biostatistics (MSBST) is designed for professionals with a bachelor’s degree who aspire to start or advance their career in biostatistics, statistics or data science.

Offered by the School of Public Health & Information Science at the University of Louisville, this program delivers a forward-thinking curriculum that emphasizes medical, dental, nursing and healthcare applications of statistical analysis, with applicability across countless other industries. Through state-of-the-art coursework in designing research studies and applying modern statistical analysis, you’ll be equipped with the expertise needed to meet the growing industry demand for skilled statisticians who can effectively drive evidence-based decisions.


How Much Will I Pay?

Tuition & Aid    

Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks. Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Online Master of Science in Biostatistics Program Highlights

  • Learn rigorous statistical analysis methodology you can apply to any industry.
  • Gain extensive training in statistical computing and data management in the SAS and R statistical software programs.
  • Join one of the very few comprehensive biostatistics programs in the nation.
  • Learn from faculty with distinguished academic credentials and a strong commitment to applied research.
  • Build upon your background—the program is open to individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any field with some exposure to quantitative background (see Apply Now tab for more details).
  • Complete your degree in as few as 3 semesters.

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100% ONLINE COURSES

Complete this degree on your own time through fully online coursework and learning tools.

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33 CREDIT HOURS

Only 12 courses are required for graduation. Math Tools prep course also available in summer.

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100% GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT RATE

To-date, all graduates of the MSBST program at UofL have found employment in a biostatistics-related role

Online learning video - Master of Science in Biostatistics

"“Statisticians and individuals who are trained in quantitative methods are going to be the invisible force for doing an impeccable job to advance the [data] industry today "


DR. KB KULASEKEERA
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOSTATISTICS

What can I do with a master’s in Biostatistics?

Most employers currently require biostatisticians to have earned a master’s degree based on the Labor Insights’ 2020 data, which conveyed that 61.6% of U.S. employers’ biostatisticians job postings required advanced education.

Furthermore, expected job growth for statisticians is an astonishing 31% over the next 10 years (bls.gov). Our master’s in biostatistics opens the door to this booming industry and prepares you to provide statistical insights for the healthcare industry—the third largest employer of statisticians.

Besides an astounding job outlook, biostatistics master’s graduates can also expect an increase in salary. BLS states the median salary in 2021 for a statistician was $96,280.

Graduates of UofL’s online Master’s in Biostatistics program are prepared to pursue careers in organizations including but not limited to:

  • Pharmaceutical corporations
  • Medical researchers
  • Insurers
  • Government agencies (FDA, NIH, Census Bureau)
  • Universities and research institutions
  • Hospitals and cancer centers
 

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Online MSBST Application Deadlines


Application Deadline Term Start Date
April 15 (Domestic applicants) Summer May
April 1 (International applicants) Summer May
July 1 (International applicants) Fall August
July 25 (Domestic applicants) Fall August

Summer admission is only for student seeking provisional admission to the MS with the requirement to complete our Math Tools sequence in remedial calculus.

Note: Any application completed after the deadline is considered for admission for the next admission term. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time. Summer admission is only for student seeking provisional admission to the MS with the requirement to complete our Math Tools sequence in remedial calculus.


How to Apply for Our Online Biostatistics Master’s Program

  1. Complete graduate application
  2. Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
  3. Submit all official transcripts of graduate work in English from all previous institutions
  4. Check for Scholarships

Note: Electronic transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s). Please have electronic transcripts sent directly to UofL Graduate Admissions Office.


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Online MSBST Application Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited institution
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 to be admitted in good standing
  • Mathematics coursework covering differential and integral calculus including partial differentiation and multiple integration
  • Minimum of two letters of recommendation written within the past twelve months
  • Statement of purpose

Send all materials to:
Graduate Admissions
University of Louisville
2211 S. Brook Street
Louisville, KY 40292
gradadm@louisville.edu


Concerned you don’t have the required mathematics background? Don’t let that hold you back!

Apply today and kick-off your program with our online Math Tools courses to prepare for the mathematical rigor necessary to complete the M.S. in Biostatistics degree.

While completing your Math Tools courses, you can begin working toward your master’s by earning a Certificate in Biostatistics online. The certificate can be completed in tandem with the Math Tools courses (there is no calculus requirement for the certificate program)—with all certificate credits applied toward your degree!


Online MSBST for International Students

The Master’s in Biostatistics program is open to international students. If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional requirements for international students.

  1. All transcripts not in English must be certified as authentic and translated verbatim in English. A foreign credential evaluation may be required. View the FAQs for more information.
  2. Students whose primary language is not English must show English language proficiency by attaining one of the following:
    • TOEFL score at or above 550 (paper based test and a 5.0 on the TWE test), 213 (computer based test), 79 (internet based test), OR
    • Submitting an IELTS test score of 6.5 or higher, OR
    • Duolingo English test score of 105 or higher
    • Successful completion of the exit examination for the advanced level of the Intensive English as a Second Language Program (IESL) at the University of Louisville, OR
    • Submitting an EFCMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) certification, OR
    • Demonstration of a degree award from an acceptable English language institution
  3. International students will not be issued a U.S. visa, since there are no campus attendance requirements. All courses in the program are taught 100% online, allowing you to attain the entire degree from the comfort of your home and at any time convenient for you, regardless of your current location, anywhere in the world.

For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.

Online MSBST Courses & Requirements

Curious about the differences between a Masters or Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics? Click here and learn more

The online M.S. in Biostats degree is a 33 credit hour program that requires 25 credit hours in core courses with with 5 credit hours in electives, and 3 credit hours of public health education.


Core Online Biostatisitics Courses


Courses Hours
PHST 661 Probability 3
PHST 680 Biostatistical Methods I 3
PHST 624 Clinical Trials I: Planning and Design 2
PHPH 523 Public Health in the U.S.1 3
PHST 662 Mathematical Statistics 3
PHST 681 Biostatistical Methods II 3
PHST 684 Categorical Data Analysis 3
PHST 625 Clinical Trials II 2
PHST 683 Survival Analysis 3
PHST 620 Introduction to Statistical Computing 3
Electives2 5
Total 33

  1. PHPH 523 fulfills the accreditation requirement that all graduates from the School of Public Health and Information Science receive foundational instruction in public health.
  2. Electives are chosen with the approval of a faculty advisor. Students are typically encouraged to select electives from among the following courses from among the following courses:
    • PHST 603 Biostatistics and the School of Public Health and Information Sciences.
    • PHST 640 Statistical Methods for Research Design in Health Sciences
    • PHMS 641 Data Mining I
    • PHST 682 Multivariate Statistics
    • PHST 675 Independent Study in Biostatistics

Students may also choose elective courses outside of the department in fields related to biostatistics, such as Mathematics, Epidemiology, and Computer Science (subject to approval from faculty advisor). Students are responsible for ensuring they have met the prerequisites for these courses.


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Course Descriptions


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    Online Master of Science in Biostatistics FAQs

    The set of questions and answers outlined below can help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission process, financial aid options and how to succeed as an online student at UofL. 


    • Is there a specific undergraduate degree required for admission into the Master of Science in Biostatistics?
      No. Admission to the program requires an exposure to statistics -- preferably via a course at a sophomore level or above -- and a background in differential and integral calculus including partial differentiation and multiple integration. Coursework in linear algebra could be required for some electives.
    • Is the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) required for admission?
      No. However, if you have recently taken the GRE we encourage you to submit your scores to us. Also, if you feel as though your transcript doesn't adequately reflect your quantitative training and abilities, scores from the GRE quantitative test can be a helpful addition to an application.
    • Is a foreign credential evaluation of transcripts from international institutions required?
      Yes, we require full credential evaluations for any degree earned outside of the USA. The University of Louisville recommends you have your credentials evaluated by World Education Service (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
    • What are the English language proficiency requirements for admission?
      Students must achieve a minimum score on the TOEFL exam (550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL), a score of 6.5 or better on the IELTS examination, successful passing of an exit examination for the advanced level of an Intensive English as a Second Language Program, a Duolingo English test score of 105 or higher, or an Intensive demonstration of a degree awarded from an institution with instruction primarily in English, as formally documented by an appropriate institutional official.
    • What type of information should be included in the statement of purpose?
      The statement of purpose should cover your background, experiences, and motivations and reason for undertaking graduate work in biostatistics. It is important that this statement describe both your strengths and weaknesses so that the admission committee can make an informed decision regarding admission.
    • What are possible career outcomes?
      There is a very high demand for biostatistical training in many industrial sectors including the insurance, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, as well as at research institutions and various government agencies (NIH, FDA, Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics etc.). Job growth data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics predict that there will be a 31% increase in the need for statisticians in the next 10 years (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/). Another study by McKinsey Global Institute predicts that the United States will need over 150,000 professionals with expertise in statistical methods by 2018 (www.mckinsey.com). Our graduates have secured employment at Humana, Google, UPS, NIH, Texas Children’s Hospital, and several other major employers in the United States.
    • What are the advantages of an MS in Biostatistics over a Bachelor’s degree in statistics or mathematics?
      Graduates with Master’s degrees in Biostatistics tend to be more attractive to employers in the industrial market than graduates with Bachelor’s degrees are and generally better compensated, too. The 2020 Salary Association of Business, Industry, and Government Statisticians published by the American Statistical Association shows that the median salary for an entry-level employee in industry with a Master’s degree in statistics, biostatistics, or mathematical statistics was $37,000 higher for master’s graduates than bachelor’s graduates.
    • Can the MS degree be completed part-time?
      Yes. Our advisors work with part-time students to develop course plans for completion of the degree.